Heflin's affiliation

Published 9:00 pm, Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Rep. Hopson's switch to GOP in East Texas does not entice former Crosby County judge to switch parties, he says

By Bob Campbell

Staff Writer

Seeking re-election to his third two-year term next year, state Rep. Joe Heflin, D-Crosbyton, is leaving the "D" behind his name for the foreseeable future, he said Wednesday.

Heflin confirmed he has been invited by numerous Republican legislators to switch parties since well before Democratic Rep. Chuck Hopson of Jacksonville in East Texas became a Republican on Nov. 6, increasing the GOP's majority in the Texas House in Austin from 76-74 to 77-73.

But Heflin is firmly committed to running as a Democrat in the March 4 primary in the 16 counties of the 85th District, including Big Spring and Garden City. "It's not going to happen," he said in a telephone interview from Crosbyton.

"A lot of the members have spoken to me about it, but they understand my constituents expect me to do what I've got to do. Right now, I'm just going to stay where I'm at."

He explained that many of his supporters expect him to maintain his present political affiliation.

State Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, who represents Andrews, Ector, Glasscock, Howard and Midland counties, is one of those inviting Heflin to join his party and strengthen its standing going into 2011 state legislative and congressional redistricting.

"We have discussed it at great length," Seliger said Wednesday. "Joe has a good, conservative voting record that is very supportive of our party's positions. He's a good representative of the people in his district and I look forward to working with him no matter what party he's in. But it would be a natural fit."

Contacted in Washington, Lubbock County Republican Chairman Chris Winn said Heflin could help his seven fellow Panhandle, South Plains and Permian Basin representatives, all Republicans, to hold power when the 2010 Census inevitably transfers more influence to Houston and South Texas.

Noting state Rep. Delwin Jones, R-Lubbock, would chair the redistricting committee, Winn said, "What with the threat of merging representatives' seats and congressional seats, we think it's imperative to shore up these rural districts.

"Our majority in the statehouse needs to be held so the redistricting board will be made up of Republicans."

Republican Party of Texas Executive Director Eric Opiela of Austin said Wednesday night that it "would be great" if Heflin switched, but Merkel accountant David Andrews and Plainview insurance agency owner Jim Landtroop, who ran against Heflin in 2006, will seek the GOP nomination if Heflin stays put.

"There will be a Republican representative from that district whether it be Joe Heflin or one of the two other candidates," Opiela said, adding his party "can get to 82 members in the House with Heflin as a Republican or without him."